Apartments

Cottages

Duplexes

News & Features

↓

In the second of our ‘Introducing…’ series we meet Sue Simonds, our new Head of Wellness who explains why purposeful activities and social interaction are so important for promoting wellbeing among our residents.

If it’s a good time, good health and a sense of purpose you’re after then Sue Simonds is the person you need to talk to. As our new Head of Wellness it’s Sue’s job to provide a stimulating, social and creative environment at Lynwood Village.

Sue Simonds, Head of Wellness at Lynwood Village

“We want to promote independence and wellbeing for all, using the first class – and they really will be amazing – facilities at Lynwood Village,” Sue explains. “We will create recreational interests and hobbies that maintain physical and mental self-worth by planning enjoyable events throughout the year.”

The kind of events Sue organises include bringing in entertainers and speakers, trips out to restaurants, the theatre and local places of interest, classes in cake decorating, computer lessons, competitive sports leagues such as bowling, book clubs, arts and crafts, casual get-togethers with tea and cake and many more.

“We will provide opportunities to go out, we’ll bring the outside in and create opportunities to learn new things. We’ll involve families and the local community to give residents a sense of purpose, somewhere they need to be. It’s too easy to sit in and not socialise and this can have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing. It’s my job to provide a broad range of opportunities so that there’s something for everyone.”

Sue’s career spans time in the travel industry followed by a move into care work to fit in with family commitments and she now has 20 years’ experience working in care. A natural flair for organising activities led to Sue’s appointment as Activities Manager for Glebelands, a care home run by the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund in Wokingham.

“There’s never a day I don’t want to go to work,” said Sue. “I have the opportunity to improve peoples’ quality of life and the families of the residents I work with are so happy with what we do for them, it’s wonderful.

“Once there was a lady in my care who was blind. I encouraged her to spend time with the activities team and over time and with our help she joined in as everyone else did,” Sue explains. “She said that when she was with the activities team she felt that she could see. I was able to make a difference to that lady by promoting her independence, removing barriers and making her feel good about herself. That’s what we want to offer Lynwood Village residents.

“I think the idea of a village community is fantastic. People will be safe, there will be lots going on and there’s help at hand whenever they need it. This is how it should be in retirement!”

Lynwood Village is owned and operated by Ben, an independent charity and dedicated partner to the automotive industry, providing support for life for automotive people and their family dependants. Ben is focused on delivering care and support to enable total health & wellbeing through working and later life. www.ben.org.uk